The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-23
AIR. John b. Elam Tells the Story of the Can
vassing Boards Infamous Proceedings
Damaging Testimony Of Other Witnesses.

both sides Every body looked rather better for
the nights rest and the somewhat cooler weather
that followed the rain, except the defendants.
The strain is beginning to tell nearly all of
them. Counselman. VINO has not attended the
session of the court as closely as his colleagues
was on hand yesterday, evidently to show his
good intentions, story having got out that he
was likely to desert them in their extremity and
try to himself
When proceedings fairly under way the
crowd again gathered, and when Lorenz Schmidt,
third ward, was called 10 the stand his testimony
excited nearly much interest, and was GER
tainly listened to with close attention, as that
given on the previous day by Samuel E. err
kins. Mr.. Schmidt IS, as his name would indi-
cate, a German. He is earnest, honest gem
teman, and appeared, as he told his story to
have lost none of the indignation that on the
night of Nov. 4, 1856, was unexpected bomb
shell among the rascals who were chan ging tally
sheets on that occasion. Mr.. Schmids's wrath is
evidently of q sterling quality and keeps warm a
long time.
The first witness called was Dan NJ Ransde II.
After the usual preliminary questions as to name
and residence. the witness entered upon his
cital, the questions being asked by MIR. Sellers,
district attorney.
Question-What conversation had you with Simeon
Coy the third day of November, 1856, with refer
to his directing any gentleman intercept the
inspectors on their to the court house and give
their tally sheetsl
Answer-I was in my Office on the third of Novem-
Der, and sent for by General Carnahan
the rooms of the Republican county central commit
tee. went over. and found number of gentlemen
in consultation.
Q.-State what You did with reference finding
Coy. and the conversation with himl =
A.-General Carnahan. Mr.. Elan and myself went
to Coy's room. l think was the spokesman in
troduced the object OF our visit. told him we had
heard he was interceptng the inspectors went
TO the county clerks ofice, and directing them to
bring their election papers to his room instead of
than fQ he o1QrE lie ,lv -ha
laughed and said Gentlemen. I am no chn1np. We
sort to anything of that kind" He said he had not
directed anybody to bring their taly-sheets to him,
put toGna mere vas misapPrehensioh ana sent
form them that the law did not require them
by Mr. BrownUTbis conTersa fiooN
think you said took place on the 3rd of November.
his private in the Grand Hotel / believe the
visit was after dinner; shortly after
John Edwards. who lives No. c39 South
second precinct of the Eighteenth ward, was ex
amined. Mr.. Edwards examined the changes
tally-sheet of his precinct and thought it look "a
as if it had been altered, but his memory at.
peared tired, and the prosecution did not urge IT,
There appeared to be dearth of witnesses. as
Mr.. Edwards left the stand. several WHOSE
names were called not responding. Better cali
your witnesses" said Judge Woods to the pros
ecution, land take an attachment for those w
are absent don't mean to have witnesses
troll my court" Mr.. Sellers to fill up the wal
handed the tally sheots of this precinct to III
jury for their inspection. which led Attorner
Rowland to remark, soto voce: MIR. Sellers.
sheets very ingeniousy." James L. Wensey
called and questioned by Mr.. Sellers
Question-In what capacity did you serve on TIN
election board at the election held on Nov. =. $50
Answer was Republican judge of the first pre-
cinct, Twenty third ward Examining papers hsndee
to hm] made out this
Q.-Examne the tally sheet and tifcate and state
whether there are indications of changes.
A.-There are on tallysheet indications of changes
on the of Theodore A. Wagner, William Irwin
Sidney Conger and John L. Griffith WITNESS showed
candidates.. There is change there in the vote of
Theodore A. Wagner. The word twenty has been
changed John L: Griffith. the fifteen is changed:
William Irwin is changed There is change in AL
Q.-Were you present when these papers were
signed and completedl
Al was there. They delivered to Lorenz
Schmidt. the inspector.
Q.-When were they deveredf
Anime diately after their completion.
Q.-Were any erasures made prior to the time Of
delivery Mr. Schmidt
A.-There not from beginning to end
Q-State the color of the paper at the places where
the changes have been made.
Attorney McNutt-I submit that may he left to the
The Court-Perhaps some of the jury may be color
Mr.. McNutt-I withdraw the objection
Witness Examng the spots where the acid was
used 1t has yelowsh appearance
Q.-Are you acquainted with the effect produced by
acid upon papers
Lorenz Schmidt, who insp ector of the
first precinct of the Twent y-third ward. was
called to the witness stand at this point in the
prooeed ings. After stating that his place OF resi-
deuce was No 400 South Alabama street. that
he was in spector of the precinct named at the
last election and assisted In organizing the board
of cauyassers, he examined the tally sheet of his
precinct and identified ii ae the one used In can
yassne the vote. He also identified his outside
tally-sheet, poll book and certificate
Question-When did you obtain possession of those
Answer-As soon as the count was completed. They
manned in my possession until turned them at
the canvassing board to man | thought was good
friend and a man
Mr.. Sellers. continuing-What time was that!
About half past o'clock
Q.-State whether not those papers indicate that
changes have been made.
A.-They do.
Q-Were any of those changes made while in YOU
possessions
A-They were not made while in my possession.
Q.-State to the judge and jury under what circum
of the meeting of the canvassng board.
help to organize building association. wanted
make good my word and by turning these paper,
over to a gsfng them out OF my hand
The Court-You don't need to give your reason
Witness.-I gave them ont of rnyAands to John z.
Sullivan the elected county clerk
His words caused something of sensation in
tie courtroom. Dir. Sullivan, sitting directly
in front of the witness. violently chewing al
a toothpick. and endeavoring TO look unlaJureo
Q.-State what occurred between you and Sullivan
any other person at that time -
Al came in the Circuit Court room and TN
first one spoke to was John E. Sullivan lie sat no'
very far from the door. congratulated hlIn on IN
election and asked him how far they had proceeds
in the canvass He told as far as the tourteent9
or Fifteenth wards think. said. at that rate
suppose will not be called until or 10 0 clock.
told him had promised friend to be at certain
place and wanted il could. to leave the papers with
somebody so they could be handed in without delay.
didn't know al the time had to be there in person
gave them to him. As as he got them IN his
hand he called man. George. and introduced him 70
ms as his most friend and turned the papers
over 10 him He said if he not there that George
2,dd would be there without fail. Then l went
tosyards the east and met Albert Sahm. l congratu-
lat ed him and told him -
Tho Court--It is nnaterial whatyou told him, I'M
lass one of the defendants was present
O-Where did you go from there, and how long did
Won remain away from the eanvassng boardt
Al went TO supper first and then went to the